Respondent was convicted by a jury of Recklessly Endangering Another Person, Simple Assault, Disorderly Conduct, and Harassment arising out of a bar fight started by Respondent after he believed the victim threw a beer on Respondent’s brother’s fiancée. Respondent punched the victim in the head several times and continued the assault after the victim was on the ground, causing numerous injuries, which resulted in prolonged pain, recurring migraine headaches and dizziness, and ringing in the victim’s injured ear. Respondent was sentenced to prison for from four to twenty-four months, and ordered to pay the costs of prosecution, the victim’s medical bills, and to make restitution of $2,259.65. The first four months of imprisonment to be served on SCRAM (secure continuous remote alcohol monitor) house arrest, followed by six months of SCRAM monitoring. Following an unsuccessful appeal to the Superior Court, the Respondent entered into a Joint Petition for the Imposition of Discipline on Consent - a Public Censure.

Rule Violation(s)

Rule 203(b)(1), Pa.R.D.E.

Discipline Imposed

Public Censure

Points of Law

During the Public Censure, Chief Justice Castille stated: “Your conviction brings you before this Court today and reflects adversely not only upon you, but upon your fellow attorneys and upon the legal system to which we all belong.” Such language supports an argument that Rule of Professional Conduct 8.4(b) was violated.